CHANCES AT CAULFIELD ON WEDNESDAY

Three nice chances for the stable on Wednesday at Caulfield with Des Moines, Top Of The Range and Pedro Ximenez.

Des Moines (pictured) is the first to go in race one, the 2YO Handicap over 1200m where she has drawn barrier one.

The first-crop daughter of War is out of the VRC St Leger winner Inkster but has surprised Mike Moroney with the amount of speed she has shown in jumpouts.

“It’s an open race against the colts as well but it’s a nice race to start her off,” Moroney said.

“She’s drawn well and she’s shown enough speed in her jumpouts that it should not be a disadvantage.

“She’s got a really good brain and enough speed to put herself in the box seat. It looks a strong race for midweek level but she’s shown above average ability at home and this will give us a good guide on where we go with her.”

Top Of The Range has his second run this campaign in race three, a heat of the Summer Challenge over 1600m where the field is reduced to six after scratchings.

The son of Savabeel resumed when sixth over 1400m at Caulfield on January 27.

“I’m hoping this will truly run as sometimes in small fields the pace is muddling and that will not suit him,” Moroney said.

“I couldn’t be happier with the horse. He’s had a little bit of time since the first-up run but his work has been really good.

“If it is a truly run race then I think he will be very competitive.”

Pedro Ximenez runs in race six, a Benchmark 70 Handicap over 2400m in a capacity field of 12.

A winner two starts back at Werribee, Pedro Ximenez was beaten less than one length when fifth at Sandown at his last start.

“He’s trained on well from his last start at Sandown where he didn’t have much luck,” Moroney said.

“He was drawn along the inside and had to come back to get out into the race but he shouldn’t have that problem here from barrier five.

“I’m expecting him to be handier, somewhere midfield and then roll into it before the home turn.

“It looks a winnable race and with ordinary luck I do think he’s a winning chance.”

Patrick Moloney rides all three horses.